Interpreter Training: How Much is Enough? Erin Rosales, Chief Learning Officer...

Interpreter Training: How Much is Enough?

Erin Rosales, Chief Learning [email protected]

Rashelle LeCaptain, President [email protected]

Connecting Cultures, Inc.www.connecting-cultures.com

©Connecting Cultures, Inc. 2008

Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266

What Interpreters Need To know(Theory)

Establish the framework essential for a skilled bilingual to become a professional

interpreter in the health care field


What interpreters need to know…

- Role of the interpreter- Ethics/Standards of Practice- Practical application of interpreter skills- Health care setting


What interpreters need to know…

- Role of the interpreter- In general terms: facilitate communication- Empower individuals to speak for themselves


What interpreters need to know…- Ethics/Standards of Practice

- Why is a Code of Ethics Important?- Basis for quality interpretation- Protects interpreter

- What should a Code of Ethics provide?- Interpreter responsibilities regarding: Accuracy Confidentiality Professionalism Role Boundaries (impartiality/advocacy)


What interpreters need to know…- Practical application of interpreter skills

- Establish guidelines for……Positioning: interpreter’s position can facilitate or

hinder communication…Mode: consecutive vs. simultaneous; sight translation

…Voice: first person vs. third person


What interpreters need to know…- Knowledge of Health Care setting

Adherence to interpreter role and ethics+

Knowledge of health care setting =

Effective interpretation in complex health care environment



- Process of clinic appointment & Role of providers- Registrar: verify patient’s biographical data, insurance- Nurse: initial assessment of patient, medical history, reason for appointment- Doctor: evaluate, diagnose, treat patient- Laboratory/radiology technologist: perform tests ordered by doctor- Scheduler: set up future visits



- Role of the interpreter throughout appointment- Conduct pre-session with patient/provider- Facilitate communication between both parties- Conduct post-session



- Medical terminology/concepts- Department specific (radiology, pediatrics, oncology…)- Common terms (conditions, procedures, illnesses,

treatments, instruments…)- Access to resources/research skills

- Reliable internet sources- Reliable print sources- Medical library- Colleagues


Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application

Create opportunities for interpreters to gain proficiency in applying skills learned as

theoretical concepts


Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application…Shadowing Program Phase I

Objective: Observe experienced interpreter in-action during real-life medical encounter

Benefits: - Witness interpreting without pressure of functioning

as interpreter - Exposure to variety of medical appointments - Discern if medical interpreting is right profession for

the individual- Post-session debrief with experienced interpreter

fosters development of professional skills


Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application…Interpreting Skills Development

Objective: Develop skills in controlled setting - Scripted role play with 1 or 2 interpreter trainers

Benefits:- “Safe” area to make mistakes- Identify strengths and weaknesses- Develop strategies to improve skills- Immediate feedback and coaching


Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application…Interpreting Skills Development

Objective: Develop skills in controlled setting- Record practice interpretation (audio/video)Benefits:- Skilled bilingual observes own interpreting skills- Develop self-evaluation skill- Can use live actors or pre-recorded material


Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application…Shadowing Program Phase II

Objective: New interpreter is observed by interpreter trainer in real medical encounterBenefits: - Experience gained without compromising integrity

of interpretation- Post-session debrief fosters skills improvement- Verify new interpreter’s skills


Independent Interpreting

New interpreter begins interpreting independently once interpreting skills

demonstrated and verified through Shadowing Program Phase II


Independent Interpreting…- Tips for Success

- Begin interpreting in “controlled” appointments“controlled” appointments = familiar departments;routine appointments; providers/patients proficient in use of interpreter

Why?- Familiarity with subject matter = higher quality

interpretation- Opportunity to solidify new skills in comfortable

environment- Strong skills developed in familiar appointments =

ability to interpret proficiently in challenging, unfamiliar encounters



- Establish Mentoring Program- Pair a new interpreter with an experienced

interpreter to meet regularly- Meeting can be in person, via phone, via email…

Why? - New interpreter has professional support needed to further develop professional skills



- Regularly Evaluate Interpreter Performance- Evaluate all areas pertinent to interpreted session:

ethical decisions/compliance, interpreting techniques, language/terminology…

- Can be done as self-evaluation or with mentor Why?

- Awareness of strengths and weaknesses is

essential to improving



- Build study time into routine- Prepare for or debrief from interpreted session- Maintain/grow language pair skills

Why?- Knowledge of subject matter = more accurate,

higher quality interpretation- Health care is broad, ever-changing field; there is

always more to learn- Fluency can be lost if not maintained



- Assign sessions according to interpreter skill level- Set the new interpreter up for success by

assigning “controlled” sessions- Assign more challenging sessions per experience

and skill demonstrated Why?

- Ensures quality interpretation - Aids in interpreter retention in field



- Periodically shadow new interpreter- Interpreter trainer observes new interpreter at

real-life assignment- Shadow at 1 & 4 month intervals post-training,

additionally as needed Why?

- Verify professional growth - New interpreter accountable for improvement

- Provides new interpreter with feedback from interpreter trainer


Continued Education and Training

Health Care Interpreting is a dynamic fieldThere are many areas in which to grow


Continued Education and Training…- Areas to grow and learn

- Professional Development- Culture- Medical field- Ethics- Language - Health Care Interpreting Industry- Interpreting Skills


Continued Education and Training…-Resources for continued education and training

- Participate in organizations that promote health care interpreting field - Attend health education classes offered through local health care system - Develop training/education opportunities through

local organizations dedicated to causes relevant to health care interpreting


Through training skilled bilingual individuals are given the opportunity to become professional interpreters in the health care field


Through continued education and training professional interpreters continue to grow in skills and knowledge


Interpreter Training benefits everyone…-Interpreter-Provider-Community

Interpreter Training: How Much is Enough? Erin Rosales, Chief Learning Officer...

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